It’s true, there are teachers who punish kids by taking away their recess time. These are probably the teachers who also require students to sit in the same hard seat, for over an hour at a time, without being allowed to stand up, wriggle, or stretch. Don’t even think about going to the bathroom (I already let you out once this week to do that. If you choose to go, write your name on the board), these teachers must have super bladders.

These are some of the reasons I’ve heard from teachers (and students) for losing recess privileges:
1. You did not finish your homework last night
2. You did not get your homework journal signed last night
3. You did not do well on your assessment, you need to stay in and do extra problems
4. You were talking to your neighbor, disrupting class, misbehaving – so you owe me fifteen minutes

For every reason I have heard, I have a response: Let’s look at the WHY:
1. Why weren’t you able to finish your homework last night?
o I already spent most of the evening doing homework, and I just got too tired;
o We had unexpected guests for dinner last night;
o I had a baseball game.

RESPONSE: I totally understand. Just let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll be glad to help you.

2. Why didn’t you get your homework journal signed last night?
o I forgot;
o My parents forgot.

RESPONSE: I totally understand. Just let me know if you have any questions or concerns, and I’ll be glad to help you.

3. Why did you struggle with this assessment?
o I didn’t study as much as I should have;
o I thought I knew it all;
o I was having a bad day.

RESPONSE: I totally understand. Just let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll be glad to help you.

4. Why were you being disruptive today?
o I didn’t get enough sleep;
o I already know how to do this and I’m bored;
o My friend had a question and I was helping them;
o I’m having troubles at home;
o You lost me at the beginning of the lesson.

RESPONSE: I totally understand. Just let me know how I can help.

Students are human. They forget, they struggle in school and at home, they talk out of turn – just like the rest of us. If teachers build personal relationships with each student, then trust follows and quality habits form.

Recess is so important. This is time for students to be active, work on their social skills, and relieve daily stress. Don’t take it away!